Dallas Steakhouse Owner Wowed by Vegan Diner; Adds Plant-Based Menu

After being inspired by the local vegan scene, Al Biernat—owner of 20-year-old Texas steakhouse Biernat’s—modernized his menu with plant-based enchiladas, seitan-topped linguine, a hearty veggie bowl, and Tofurky sausage stack.

Texas restaurateur Al Biernat added a vegan menu to both Dallas locations of Biernat’s Steakhouse—an upscale restaurant that has been in business for 20 years—after sampling plant-based food from local eateries, including Spiral Diner. “We’ve been going to Spiral Diner since they opened. I love Tribal All Day Café; they’re good friends of mine, too,” Biernat told local media outlet Dallas Observer. “I love eating a variety of good food, especially if it’s organic, healthy, natural, [and] good for you.” Biernat’s current vegan menu includes four upscale dishes: portobello mushroom enchiladas topped with coconut-based cheese; linguine pasta loaded with vegetables and seitan; an Italian stack made with Tofurky sausage, grilled vegetables, and vegan cheese; and Al’s Bowl loaded with vegetables and rice. “Millennials are concerned about everything being healthy,” Biernat said. “So of course, we’re moving more in that direction.” Biernat welcomes input from customers about how to improve the vegan menu—which he plans to expand to six dishes. “When a vegan comes in, I want their honest feedback. That’s the only way we’re going to get better.”

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